Lens buying guide. Nikon z5

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

Hello All,

I am not a professional photographer. I just do photography for fun. Generally landscapes, travel, family outings etc.

I bought the Nikon z5 recently with 24-200(since i wanted a single lens solution for travel) and i am quite happy with the lens.

I want to add 200-600 when it becomes available(if the price is right) and dabble in a little bit of wildlife or birding. i tried birding with the current lens but need to crop heavily and most of the times the subject is too far.

In the meantime, i am confused whether i should be buying a prime lens?

I want to see if buying a prime lens like 50mm f/1.8 or 105mm f/2.8 makes sense.

The focal range is already covered. But maybe i can benefit from lesser aperture in low light situations.

105 f/2.8 is a macro but doubles as a portrait lens as per reviews and seems good but it will be tough to shoot indoors in small spaces.

50mm f/1.8 makes sense indoors and it seems to be a great lens.

I even checked out 40mm f/2 but i can afford 50mm so i would rather prefer it.

Appreciate your views.

Wahrsager · Mar 14, 2022

MrZer0 said:
Hello All,

I am not a professional photographer. I just do photography for fun. Generally landscapes, travel, family outings etc.

I bought the Nikon z5 recently with 24-200(since i wanted a single lens solution for travel) and i am quite happy with the lens.

I want to add 200-600 when it becomes available(if the price is right) and dabble in a little bit of wildlife or birding. i tried birding with the current lens but need to crop heavily and most of the times the subject is too far.

In the meantime, i am confused whether i should be buying a prime lens?

I want to see if buying a prime lens like 50mm f/1.8 or 105mm f/2.8 makes sense.

The focal range is already covered. But maybe i can benefit from lesser aperture in low light situations.

105 f/2.8 is a macro but doubles as a portrait lens as per reviews and seems good but it will be tough to shoot indoors in small spaces.

50mm f/1.8 makes sense indoors and it seems to be a great lens.

I even checked out 40mm f/2 but i can afford 50mm so i would rather prefer it.

Appreciate your views.

From my own gear gobbling experience, I’d make sure you really want a focal length before buying it. In my opinion, 50 is a bit long for most “household” indoor scenes, 35 from my experience is better suited. Maybe an LED panel for impromptu lighting would be useful? Or a speed light.

JasonTheBirder · Mar 14, 2022

A 50 f/1.8 is a PERFECT indoor lens on full frame, and the f/1.8 aperture will work so much better than the 24-200 which I'm guessing is around f/5 at 50mm. The 50mm f/1.8S is also great wide open. So the 24-200 for most casual situations, the 50mm for events, and the 200-600 for wildlife. Sounds like a perfect trinity for you.

SoCalAngler · Mar 14, 2022

JasonTheBirder said:
A 50 f/1.8 is a PERFECT indoor lens on full frame, and the f/1.8 aperture will work so much better than the 24-200 which I'm guessing is around f/5 at 50mm. The 50mm f/1.8S is also great wide open. So the 24-200 for most casual situations, the 50mm for events, and the 200-600 for wildlife. Sounds like a perfect trinity for you.

The 24-200 is f/4.5 at 35mm and f/5.6 at 50mm.

By checking indoor casual images of people/family shot indoors over the years with zooms I found that about 3/4 were between 35 and 40mm. That was appropriate for the places I was shooting, which was typically inside homes.

I ended up getting the 40mm f/2 for that reason. I could have purchased either the 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 lenses but size was also a factor as Z5 + 40mm fits in a smaller space - which was also a consideration for me.

Though I didn’t by the 50mm f/1.8 I concur it would be a great addition for the OP if it is wide enough for their needs.

J2daV · Mar 14, 2022

I also use the z5 for similar activities.
I did a ski trip with a bunch of families recently and took a bunch of photos with the 40mm f/2 and the 50mm f/1.8. The 50mm photos are the keepers for me. Some are using the full aperature. They are just better. They are also usually of one person in the party, maybe 2 if people seated at a table. This trip convinced me to get the 35mm, which I now have. Might not hold on to the 40mm. So far, my limited experience says that the S line lenses are flat out better. I’m getting those when I can.

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

Wahrsager said:
From my own gear gobbling experience, I’d make sure you really want a focal length before buying it. In my opinion, 50 is a bit long for most “household” indoor scenes, 35 from my experience is better suited. Maybe an LED panel for impromptu lighting would be useful? Or a speed light.

35mm vs 50mm i would prefer 50mm ideally.
i never thought of led or speed lights. Will check them out thanks.

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

JasonTheBirder said:
A 50 f/1.8 is a PERFECT indoor lens on full frame, and the f/1.8 aperture will work so much better than the 24-200 which I'm guessing is around f/5 at 50mm. The 50mm f/1.8S is also great wide open. So the 24-200 for most casual situations, the 50mm for events, and the 200-600 for wildlife. Sounds like a perfect trinity for you.

Thanks for the reply

Yes that is the thought process

Ideally only one lens - either 50mm or 105mm but i think 105mm will be bad for indoors due to focal length. So mostly it will be 50 mm.

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

SoCalAngler said:
JasonTheBirder said:

A 50 f/1.8 is a PERFECT indoor lens on full frame, and the f/1.8 aperture will work so much better than the 24-200 which I'm guessing is around f/5 at 50mm. The 50mm f/1.8S is also great wide open. So the 24-200 for most casual situations, the 50mm for events, and the 200-600 for wildlife. Sounds like a perfect trinity for you.

Click to expand...

The 24-200 is f/4.5 at 35mm and f/5.6 at 50mm.

By checking indoor casual images of people/family shot indoors over the years with zooms I found that about 3/4 were between 35 and 40mm. That was appropriate for the places I was shooting, which was typically inside homes.

I ended up getting the 40mm f/2 for that reason. I could have purchased either the 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 lenses but size was also a factor as Z5 + 40mm fits in a smaller space - which was also a consideration for me.

Though I didn’t by the 50mm f/1.8 I concur it would be a great addition for the OP if it is wide enough for their needs.

THanks for the reply.

i would need to check that, but 50mm seems to be a stellar lens as compared to 40mm. That was the reason i thought of 50mm instead of 40mm. i could not find more reviews on the 40mm either.

I also need to check my portraits and see the focal length i am using.

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

J2daV said:
I also use the z5 for similar activities.
I did a ski trip with a bunch of families recently and took a bunch of photos with the 40mm f/2 and the 50mm f/1.8. The 50mm photos are the keepers for me. Some are using the full aperature. They are just better. They are also usually of one person in the party, maybe 2 if people seated at a table. This trip convinced me to get the 35mm, which I now have. Might not hold on to the 40mm. So far, my limited experience says that the S line lenses are flat out better. I’m getting those when I can.

Thanks for the response. I am also inclined on one lens. either 50mm or 105mm.

not the 85mm.

105mm purely because it doubles as a macro lens and a very nice portrait lens as well.

dacrema · Mar 14, 2022

But you missed the part about looking at what range most of your shots are. If you are in the 35-60 mm range, yes the 50mm will be a nice fit. But if your mostly in the 30-50 range you might be happier with a 40/2 or a 35.

On the other hand if most of your family shots are above 60mm you might want an 85/1,8 or the 105. Both of these tend to favor individuals vs family groups.

In general I can tell you have though some about this. Both are good lenses. But you need to go a step further and look at what you are currently shooting and how each lens would step in with the faster speed. In both cases that seems to be what you are looking for. The shallow depth of field these two lenses can bring to the table. The smooth background. So look at your past photos and let them tell you which to pick.

Have fun and Be Healthy

John

MrZer0 · Mar 14, 2022

Thanks dacrema for the reply.

Yes i will check out the photos and check the focal range and let it help my decision.

Stay Healthy and safe.

NickZ2016 · Mar 15, 2022

First rule is do you have a need? with the 24-200mm are you having to boost ISO? Or do you want shallower DOF?

A 50mm or any other prime gets a little constraining indoors. You want your subject away from the walls? How much can you backup?

Set your current lens to 50mm and see what the focal length can do for you. Unless it's a large room you're likely going to find yourself adapting to the lens .

J2daV · Mar 15, 2022

MrZer0 said:
J2daV said:

I also use the z5 for similar activities.
I did a ski trip with a bunch of families recently and took a bunch of photos with the 40mm f/2 and the 50mm f/1.8. The 50mm photos are the keepers for me. Some are using the full aperature. They are just better. They are also usually of one person in the party, maybe 2 if people seated at a table. This trip convinced me to get the 35mm, which I now have. Might not hold on to the 40mm. So far, my limited experience says that the S line lenses are flat out better. I’m getting those when I can.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I am also inclined on one lens. either 50mm or 105mm.

not the 85mm.

105mm purely because it doubles as a macro lens and a very nice portrait lens as well.

I just got a 105 too. It’s great for macro. I can’t see it being practical for indoor. I have not tried a portrait with it yet. I would favor the 50. It’s really nice and the cheapest. If you have kids, it takes spectacular photos. My friend said the photos I took are the best photos she has of her kids. So that was nice.

SoCalAngler · Mar 15, 2022

MrZer0 said:
SoCalAngler said:

JasonTheBirder said:

A 50 f/1.8 is a PERFECT indoor lens on full frame, and the f/1.8 aperture will work so much better than the 24-200 which I'm guessing is around f/5 at 50mm. The 50mm f/1.8S is also great wide open. So the 24-200 for most casual situations, the 50mm for events, and the 200-600 for wildlife. Sounds like a perfect trinity for you.

Click to expand...

The 24-200 is f/4.5 at 35mm and f/5.6 at 50mm.

By checking indoor casual images of people/family shot indoors over the years with zooms I found that about 3/4 were between 35 and 40mm. That was appropriate for the places I was shooting, which was typically inside homes.

I ended up getting the 40mm f/2 for that reason. I could have purchased either the 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 lenses but size was also a factor as Z5 + 40mm fits in a smaller space - which was also a consideration for me.

Though I didn’t by the 50mm f/1.8 I concur it would be a great addition for the OP if it is wide enough for their needs.

Click to expand...

THanks for the reply.

i would need to check that, but 50mm seems to be a stellar lens as compared to 40mm. That was the reason i thought of 50mm instead of 40mm. i could not find more reviews on the 40mm either.

I also need to check my portraits and see the focal length i am using.

Yes, the 50 S f/1.8 is superior in all aspects performance wise to the non S 40mm. As it should be.

Indoors I typically use the 40mm at f/2.8. I haven’t made a print yet (5x7 and 8x10 sizes) from that lens that the recipient was dissatisfied with.

But I wouldn’t suggest that the 40 is better lens in absolute terms. It’s just better for what I do.

Prior to getting my Z5 I had DX bodies and have the DX 35mm f/1.8. Nice inexpensive prime with a field of view roughly equivalent to 52mm on full frame. I use it much more outside, or in large indoor spaces like dining halls, than inside homes.

MrZer0 · Mar 15, 2022

NickZ2016 said:
First rule is do you have a need? with the 24-200mm are you having to boost ISO? Or do you want shallower DOF?

A 50mm or any other prime gets a little constraining indoors. You want your subject away from the walls? How much can you backup?

Set your current lens to 50mm and see what the focal length can do for you. Unless it's a large room you're likely going to find yourself adapting to the lens .

Thanks for reply Nick.

I am going out mostly in early mornings or late evenings to get some nice shots, but i seem to be cracking the ISO too high to get the shots.

If i set to auto ISO it shoots up to 10000 ISO with lot of noise in pics.

I was thinking that a 1.8 will help improve the situation.

I will mention the distance in feet, if that makes sense. Normally i would get atleast 10 ft distance indoors. I would not be doing too much indoor shots except for family functions like birthdays, anniversaries, other stuff. max 10 such events a year.

I would have loved if the lock switch(provided with 24-200) worked in locking the lens at a particular focal length. I will try to set it to different focal lengths and try working it and see how it affects the picture.

MrZer0 · Mar 15, 2022

J2daV said:
I just got a 105 too. It’s great for macro. I can’t see it being practical for indoor. I have not tried a portrait with it yet. I would favor the 50. It’s really nice and the cheapest. If you have kids, it takes spectacular photos. My friend said the photos I took are the best photos she has of her kids. So that was nice.

Thanks J2daV

Hmm yes it would probably not be practical for indoors then it would defeat the purpose for me. The shots taken with 105 are amazing though.

Maybe some other day add the macro, if i go with 50mm now. Lets see

MrZer0 · Mar 15, 2022

SoCalAngler said:
Yes, the 50 S f/1.8 is superior in all aspects performance wise to the non S 40mm. As it should be.

Indoors I typically use the 40mm at f/2.8. I haven’t made a print yet (5x7 and 8x10 sizes) from that lens that the recipient was dissatisfied with.

But I wouldn’t suggest that the 40 is better lens in absolute terms. It’s just better for what I do.

Prior to getting my Z5 I had DX bodies and have the DX 35mm f/1.8. Nice inexpensive prime with a field of view roughly equivalent to 52mm on full frame. I use it much more outside, or in large indoor spaces like dining halls, than inside homes.

Thanks SoCalAngler

I would compare my focal lengths.

If you dont mind me asking, why didn't you go for 35mm and instead chose 40mm.

Even online i dont see 35mm being mentioned a lot. Is that because 35mm shoots wide and is not considered suitable for portraits ?

SoCalAngler · Mar 15, 2022

MrZer0 said:
SoCalAngler said:

Yes, the 50 S f/1.8 is superior in all aspects performance wise to the non S 40mm. As it should be.

Indoors I typically use the 40mm at f/2.8. I haven’t made a print yet (5x7 and 8x10 sizes) from that lens that the recipient was dissatisfied with.

But I wouldn’t suggest that the 40 is better lens in absolute terms. It’s just better for what I do.

Prior to getting my Z5 I had DX bodies and have the DX 35mm f/1.8. Nice inexpensive prime with a field of view roughly equivalent to 52mm on full frame. I use it much more outside, or in large indoor spaces like dining halls, than inside homes.

Click to expand...

Thanks SoCalAngler

I would compare my focal lengths.

If you dont mind me asking, why didn't you go for 35mm and instead chose 40mm.

Even online i dont see 35mm being mentioned a lot. Is that because 35mm shoots wide and is not considered suitable for portraits ?

35 is a bIt wide for portraits of individuals but ok for group shots at events when you can’t back up. At least in my experience. Other folks will certainly have different valid viewpoints. I have seen some nice environmental portrait shots with a 35 but perspective distortion can start to come into play if not paying attention and get too close to subject.

My number one consideration for purchasing the 40 instead of the 35 was size. Body (Z5) and camera often need to go into fishing tackle bag and is competing for space in the bag with fly boxes, water bottles, tools, spare reel spools, small first aid kit and other items. When I’m not fishing it fits in a couple of small padded waist packs that I have.

If I have room for a larger body/lens combo the I will have either the 14-30 f/4 or 24-70 f/4, possibly with a flash along for the ride too. When I leave the house with a camera I usually have a plan for the day and choose a lens accordingly. I also have the 28mm f/2.8 Z lens, again picked up due to small size. I rarely change lenses in the field.

The 50mm f/1.8 is on my list to acquire, along with the 20mm f/1.8, for outdoor low light stuff.

MrZer0 · Mar 15, 2022

SoCalAngler said:
35 is a bIt wide for portraits of individuals but ok for group shots at events when you can’t back up. At least in my experience. Other folks will certainly have different valid viewpoints. I have seen some nice environmental portrait shots with a 35 but perspective distortion can start to come into play if not paying attention and get too close to subject.

My number one consideration for purchasing the 40 instead of the 35 was size. Body (Z5) and camera often need to go into fishing tackle bag and is competing for space in the bag with fly boxes, water bottles, tools, spare reel spools, small first aid kit and other items. When I’m not fishing it fits in a couple of small padded waist packs that I have.

If I have room for a larger body/lens combo the I will have either the 14-30 f/4 or 24-70 f/4, possibly with a flash along for the ride too. When I leave the house with a camera I usually have a plan for the day and choose a lens accordingly. I also have the 28mm f/2.8 Z lens, again picked up due to small size. I rarely change lenses in the field.

The 50mm f/1.8 is on my list to acquire, along with the 20mm f/1.8, for outdoor low light stuff.

Right. 35 maybe more suitable for group photos as i was thinking.

I do a little bit of motorcycling. i was afraid of taking camera on trip and yes i understand the size considerations during travel and in your case fishing. That was one of the reasons i have stuck to single lens 24-200

i guess i will review suggestions, my choices and will let you know how it goes.

SoCalAngler · Mar 15, 2022

Enjoy the process of finding the best solution for your needs. And don’t be surprised if your preferences change over time.

I went from mostly f/1.8 and f/2.8 primes with film to mostly slower zooms (f/3.5 to f/5.6 wide open) with digital to now incorporating more primes to complement my zooms. We have a lot of great options.

Lens buying guide. Nikon z5

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